Chevy Traverse No Crank No Start (Fixed)
All Chevy car models are known for their reliability and their ability to handle a wide range of road terrains. The Chevy Traverse in particular makes a great companion on your on-road and off-road adventures. But still, just like any other machine, it may fail to deliver as expected once in a while. One common problem is when the Chevy Traverse fails to crank or start.
No-start condition can be very frustrating. This can be caused by a number of reasons. These include a weak battery, corrosion on terminals, faulty starter motor, bad alternator, and a clogged fuel filter. The solutions will depend on the exact problem hence accurate diagnosis is vital.
This article explores the different reasons why the Chevy Traverse may not start or crank, and how to fix the problem.
Why is my Chevy Traverse not Starting?
Some common culprits may prevent normal starting operation on the Chevy Traverse. These are as highlighted below.
Weak battery
One main reason why your Traverse’s engine is not cranking is that the battery is worn or dead. To investigate this, you will be required to carry out a voltage test to check whether the starting problem can be attributed to the battery. If you have recently installed a new battery, it is likely that the battery has not yet reached full capacity—this should not cause any alarm.
Fix
The first step is to test the battery to confirm that it is the root cause of the problem. A multi-meter will come in handy for this. Alternatively, you can opt for jump-starting your Traverse. This will need a jumper cable as well as a healthy battery from another vehicle. Care should be taken to ensure that it is done correctly, otherwise, you will be causing more harm than good.
Corrosion on battery terminals
In case of corrosion on the battery terminals, it results in loss of contact and a reduced current flow. This means that there is insufficient power to start the engine. It is important that you do not rush to replace the battery before first checking if the problem is caused by corrosion.
Fix
Dirty or corroded battery contacts need to be investigated. You can do so by carefully lifting the rubber covers on the battery terminals, and checking for any signs of corrosion. If any, clean the corroded battery. You will first need to remove the terminals using pliers, clean the area, and then reconnect them.
Broken starter motor
The starter motor is tasked with starting the engine. Usually, this component has an average lifespan of 100,000 to 150,000 miles, which is subject to change—it can be shortened by frequently starting the engine. Given the limited life of the starter motor, it is susceptible to fail or break down after using the car for a long time. If this component breaks down, the engine cannot start.
Fix
If the starter fails, it will need a replacement. However, a temporary fix for this problem is to hit the starter motor with a metal tool or stick as you turn the key. This only works if the starter problem is a result of misaligned gears or parts inside stuck together.
Clogged fuel filter
The fuel filter is not likely to wear out like the rest of the parts in the engine system, but it can get clogged by particles and dirt. This reduces the permeability of the filter as well as the fuel pressure. When this surpasses a certain level, and the fuel is too dirty, it will be impossible for the engine to perform to its full capacity and even not start all.
Fix
Cleaning will not do the trick in this case. The only solution will be to change the filter.
Defective alternator
The alternator works as a generator that produces electricity. In case of failure, there will be insufficient electricity to charge the battery. This means that even though you had earlier speculated that the starting problem is due to a battery problem and had it replaced, the battery is likely to run out in no time, and you will be back to the same no-start problem. Alternators are not likely to break down—with improvement in their performance, these components are designed to last 200,000 to 300,000 miles. However, they may break down depending on how you use it.
Fix
In case of a breakdown of the alternator, the only solution would be to replace it with a new one.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of a faulty starter motor?
Detecting a failing starter motor is pretty easy. Whenever you turn the key to start the engine, you will hear a clicking sound. This is the common sound of a bad starter motor.
What causes engine failure in the Chevy Traverse?
Engine failure is very rare, but still possible. If this happens, nothing will work anymore. The typical causes for engine failure include tearing of the timing belt, overheating of the engine, hydro lock, continuous driving in a high-speed range, insufficient oil, and incorrect fueling.
Conclusion
Clearly, there are several reasons why your Chevy Traverse may not crank or start as it should. While all problems have a solution, some are on the expensive side. For others, cleaning may suffice. Still, it is best to consult a professional whenever you are uncertain.
